With the k&n, the filter is the first element, then air is sent straight through to the throttle body. Having had it on for a while, the heat shield does more than I thought it would, and you may be right that it's pulling hot air, but remember, on the stock intake the filtering happens right at the throttle body, and all of that plastic is right above the passenger side manifold, heat rises yadayada. The important thing to realize about these intakes and stock ones is that the heat is there on both. Well seeing as it's installed on my 4runner and has been for some time, no it isn't a troll post. On Toyota's, it's mostly sound, but if you look at a lot of American motors, some air boxes are incredibly restrictive, and cold air intakes actually produce noticeable gains As far as price goes, I'd never spend $300 on it, I got mine for a steal. It absolutely flows more, but because of this it filters less, which could be an issue if you live in high dust environments, but for me is never going to be an issue. Click to expand.Well seeing as it's installed on my 4runner and has been for some time, no it isn't a troll post.